Directly overlooking the azure waters of the breath-taking limestone coastline, Villa Treville is a uniquely extraordinary place. Secluded behind gates, a windy path leads you through lush tropical gardens and under vine-laded pergolas to five meticulously cared for villas that house some of the finest suites on the Amalfi Coast.

Previously owned by legendary film and opera director, Franco Zeffirelli, who bought it from a Countess after visiting her for lunch, it is no surprise that each of the villas draws from the maestro’s work and the estate’s history. You could stay in a suite dedicated to star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare, or lay your head where the great Bernstein once laid his.  Each room is decorated in its own creative style, emphasising clean white walls with dramatic splashes of colour, reflected in the gardens and terraces.

Villa Treille comprises several villas dotted throughout the shoreline estate. some are stand alone and others are divide into suites and junior suites. Choose between 1, 2, 3 or 4-bedroom suites, or one of the 5 or 8-bedroom Villas for larger family events. All are stunningly decorated with white-washed walls intricate ceramic tiled floors and furnished with an eclectic collection of the great man's art and artefacts.

The Maestro’s suite

At over 2,000 sq ft the Zeffirelli Suite, with 4 en-suite bedrooms and living room is the largest of the suites, once the seaside home of the man himself. The unique design, furniture and objets d’art celebrate his work and style, with mother-of-pearl inlays and gold finishes. The breath-taking views draw you out onto 3 private terraces and a plunge pool.

There are also smaller Zeffirelli Suites with two and three bedrooms with a gorgeous terraces overlooking Positano and private plunge pools.

Tosca e Callas is a 2-bedroom suite with private pool and lovely gardens with ast picture windows looking our to sea and Positano to the west.

Romantic getaway suites

One bedroom suites and junior suite range from 500 sq ft upwards all named after plays or operas the Maestro was passionate about. Turandot features a sea green and gold boudoir in Villa Tre Pini, which can connect with Aida and Norma - two more operatic suites.

Diaghili occupies the first floor of Villa Azzurra and is named after Serge Diaghiliv, founder of Ballets Russes, featuring stunning sea views, even from the dazzling white bathroom.

Against its dramatic, rocky backdrop, the gardens and terraces of Villa Treville face out towards the blue. The paths wind through the estate while your senses are stimulated by beautiful sights and scents. Jasmine and bougainvillea flow from trellised walkways and citrus fruit trees produce a light and distinctly Mediterranean perfume. There are many places to sit and take in the views, or relax with a novel in the shade.

Delicious local cuisine

Villa Treville offers cuisine to match the dramatic surroundings and creative legacy. The aptly named Maestro’s restaurant offers the freshest local produce cooked with skill and devotion. Seated on the lovely terracotta tiled terrace, shaded from the midday sun by the vine-covered pergola, it would be hard to find a better place to enjoy a cold glass of Fiano di Avellino before lunch, while taking in the majestic views.

With the menu changing daily and with the season, you will find a rich and inspiring culinary choice, with meticulous attention to detail. Breakfast is served all day in the Club Lounge for those partial to a slow start and the chefs prepare light snacks and sweet treats throughout the day. If you want to venture out and try Michelin-starred cuisine, a trip to Zass or La Sponda in Positano is a must.

As the sun begins to sink towards the horizon, guests move into the Salone Bianca. Found at the heart of Villa Bianca, this cool tiled salon plays host to evening drinks and stunning cocktails and makes the most of the early evening light, whilst the Moroccan-inspired terrace is the perfect position to watch the sun slide serenely behind the limestone cliffs.

Active or less active?

Hand-cut stone steps take you down to the private beach, but the walk back up can be avoided by opting for the elevator. The Beach Club is one of Villa Treville’s secrets, where you can swim safely avoiding prying eyes or recline under the heat of the Amalfi Coast sun. A private mooring allows watersports, like kayaking or sailing to be conveniently enjoyed, while the hotel’s beautiful boat can also ferry you back and forth to Positano, or further on for water-borne adventures along the coast, as far as Capri.

There is a gym, plunge pools, Jacuzzi and massage and beauty treatments are available in your suite.

Before long you find days disappearing in a beautiful haze of relaxing hedonism in the most discreet of 5-star hotels; one that feels more like the welcoming private home of a cultured billionaire. In such a place, you would expect friendly multilingual staff to be on hand to attend to any whim or fancy, and that’s just as it is at Villa Treville - la villa e bella...